Phi Delta Theta chapter at WKU receives 2015-16 Clark Jackson Award

The Phi Delta Theta chapter at WKU was recently recognized as the winner of the 2015-16 Clark Jackson Award, a distinction given to one of the Fraternity’s 180+ chapters across North America. The Clark Jackson Award recognizes the chapter that raises the most money through the Fraternity’s Iron Phi program.

Created by Phi Delta Theta in February 2010, Iron Phi is a philanthropic initiative within Phi Delta Theta that aims to capture the energy, competitive spirit, and philanthropic nature of its members. Iron Phi’s mission is to strengthen the Phi Delta Theta International Fraternity and the impact it has on the fight against Lou Gehrig’s disease through the fundraising and athletic efforts of its members. To become an “Iron Phi,” Phi Delta Theta members, both undergraduates and alumni, must select an athletic endeavor that can range from a traditional marathon to hitting 2,130 softballs to honor Lou Gehrig’s games played streak. He then must raise $1,000, and accomplish the athletic event itself. Dollars raised through Iron Phi support ALS research grants through The ALS Association as well as educational leadership programming within the Phi Delta Theta International Fraternity. Since its humble beginnings, the Iron Phi program has raised more than $1.1 million.

In the 2015-16 academic year, Phi Delta Theta’s Kentucky Eta Chapter at WKU produced its first Iron Phi, Collin Ray, and four other members achieved Iron Phi status. The chapter raised $17,510 from July 1, 2015, to June 30, 2016, surpassing the second-place chapter by $3,000. Kentucky Eta was also recognized as an Iron Phi Chapter during the 2015-16 academic year, a distinction that is achieved when a chapter raises more than $10,000 in a given year through Iron Phi.

Chapter President Matthew Bunnell commended his brothers’ Iron Phi efforts. “This group has worked hard to make an impact on the local community through community service and philanthropic work for The ALS Association,” he said. “Our chapter is an organization that allows young men to become the greatest version of themselves through a foundation in friendship, sound learning and moral rectitude.”

The Fraternity looks to expand on its success by becoming an Iron Phi Chapter every year moving forward and hopes to defend the Clark Jackson Award.

Kentucky Eta would like to thank all of the family members, community members, alumni and friends who donated. The chapter especially thanks the members who stepped up to lead our Iron Phi efforts. If you would like to help the men achieve their goal of repeating as the Clark Jackson Award winners, you can learn more about their story and donate at Support.ironphi.org.